Our democracy is based on the premise that every individual, regardless of how wealthy they are, has an equal voice in our elections. But too often, large campaign contributions determine who can run for and win office, and ultimately what priorities our government tackles. Our democracy is knocked out of balance when candidates feel they have to spend their time courting wealthy and corporate special interests to fundraise for their elections instead of talking to constituents. A Small Donor Funded Elections Program will ensure our elected officials are accountable to their constituents, not wealthy special interests.
In 2014, Montgomery County became the first county in the state to establish a small donor matching program for county council and executive elections. It incentivizes small contributions by providing matching funds to candidates who don't accept any large contribution or contributions from special interests such as corporations or PACs. In the summer of 2017, the Howard County Council established a similar small donor program that candidates can utilize for the 2022 election. At the gubernatorial level, both Governor Hogan and Democratic candidate Mizeur, outsiders to the political establishment, used a public funding program for their campaigns in 2014.
At every level of government from congress to municipalities, we deserve a government that is accountable to all of us, not to just to wealthy donors.
A robust, small-donor matching program in Baltimore County will:
• Make county government accountable to all of us by giving candidates the opportunity to reject big donors and special interests money and to instead seek support from everyday residents
• Amplify the voice of the average contributor through a tiered match system
• Increase participation in county elections by empowering small donors
• Break down the barriers to running for office by allowing county residents with strong ideas and a call to public service to run for office, regardless of their personal connections to wealthy donors or corporate contributors
Petition to Support a Small Donor Funded Election Program in Baltimore County:
Dear County Executive John Olszewski & Baltimore County Council Members,
As a resident of Baltimore County, I would like to express my support for the ballot initiative because it will reduce the power of corporations, developers, and wealthy donors and will ensure that everyday residents have a bigger voice in our elections.
Small Donor Funded Election programs ensure a government by the people and bringing this program to Baltimore County will build a more accessible and accountable local government.
It is for the above reasons that I support the ballot initiative and I urge you to create a strong and impactful Small Donor Funded Election Program for fair elections in our county upon passage of the initiative.
Sincerely,